Tensions mounted at Churchill Downs as the draw for the 141st Kentucky Derby moved forward earlier this week. But Bob Baffert, trainer of American Pharoah and Dortmund could relax, at least for the time being, after his horses American Pharoah and Dortmund drew posts 18 and 8 respectively in the position contest for the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2015.
Bob Baffert - Trainer of Kentucky Derby favorite American Pharoah
The Kentucky Derby favorite, American Pharoah trained by Bob Baffert, will be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who won the Derby last year on California Chrome, in the upcoming Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 2, 2015.
© 2015 by Richard Yaussi
Baffert is seeking his first Derby victory since War Emblem won in 2002. With American Pharoah, the 5-2 favorite,scheduled for post position 18 in a full field of 20 horses, it is noted that Gato Del Sol in 1982 is the only horse to win from the 18th post but Baffert, who has won the race three times, took the draw pretty much in stride.
None of the favorites seemed to be concerned with their starting gate position as all dodged the inside rail where a horse can compromised at the start in a huge field.
Second choice Dortmund, who like American Pharoah is trained by Bob Baffert, drew post No. 8 while third choice Carpe Diem will start from the No. 2 post.
The favorite American Pharoah will be ridden by Victor Espinoza, who won the Derby last year on California Chrome. "I definitely didn't want to be the one horse, that's for sure," said Espinoza. "I mean, I don't think it matters, but just to be safe. I feel more comfortable to be on the outside."
Baffert is also comfortable with his other horse, Dortmund, with an inside start from No. 8, and was all smiles after the drawing for the posts. Also noted, horses starting from the #8 post have won the Kentucky Derby eight times. The most recent was longshot Mine That Bird in 2009.